Asean
United States and China are racing to achieve a FTA in the Pacific rim
The race is on between the United States and China to dominate the rules-setting game for trade by being the first to be able to announce plans for a free trade area in the Pacific Rim.
The race is on between the United States and China to dominate the rules-setting game for trade by being the first to be able to announce plans for a free trade area in the Pacific Rim.
China hopes to use its position as chair of APEC this year to propose that a feasibility study on a Free Trade Agreement for the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), first mooted in 2006, be pursued.
In other words, negotiations towards an FTAAP would commence, for all practical purposes. But if the TPP can be concluded, or substantial and credible progress towards its conclusion be achieved, so that an impressive announcement can be made at the APEC meeting in Beijing in November, it would steal the thunder from China. If such an announcement is not forthcoming or not credible, China will likely announce a ‘Beijing Road Map’ for an FTA of the Pacific Rim, building on APEC rather than the TPP. Billions of dollars in trade are at stake.
It will be difficult for leaders from the TPP countries to ignore a declaration endorsing a feasibility study for the FTAAP if they cannot offer an alternative
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TPPing APEC?
Asean
ASEAN commemorates Youth in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience Day 2021
An intergenerational dialogue titled ‘Teaming up with You(th) for a Disaster-Resilient and Climate-Friendly ASEAN’, was moderated by the ASEAN Youth Forum’s Programme Manager, Rastra Yasland.
JAKARTA, 30 November 2021 – The ASEAN Secretariat hosted an interactive webinar to commemorate ASEAN Youth in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience Day on 25 November.
(more…)Vietnam
Vietnam’s Tay Ninh Province: Promising for Investors in the Greater Mekong Subregion
The SKER is one of four key economic regions which cover most economic and investment hubs in the country. The SKER consists of Tay Ninh along with Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Long An, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc, and Tien Giang.
Vietnam’s Tay Ninh province located in the Southern Key Economic Region (SKER) acts as a key connection point between Ho Chi Minh City and Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh, sharing a border with Cambodia at Moc Bai and Xa Mat border gates, the main trade centers between the two countries.
(more…)
The Bachelor Japan Season 4 showcases Thailand
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ASEAN commemorates Youth in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience Day 2021
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